Abstract: An osteoimplant is disclosed and includes a plurality of partially demineralized fibers. Each fiber has an elongated, thin body having a length of about 1 centimeter to about 3 centimeters. Further, the plurality of fibers engages to establish a matrix of material. The disclosure is further directed to a method of making the above-mentioned osteoimplant.

Abstract: Bone implant compositions and methods are provide that have an outer surface, the outer surface comprising demineralized bone and having a cavity disposed in the outer surface, the cavity having a demineralized bone material coated therein; and an inner surface of the bone implant comprising cortical bone, the inner surface contacting the outer surface. The bone implant compositions and methods provided are osteoinductive and allow rapid bone fusion.

Abstract: Described is a medically useful article comprising a three-dimensional body including one or more implantable substances, wherein the body defines one or more reservoirs for receiving amounts of a biocompatible wetting liquid. In certain embodiments the body is disruptable upon wetting with the biocompatible liquid to form a conformable implantable material such as a putty, paste or more flowable wetted implant material. Also described are methods for manufacturing such medical materials, and methods for using such medical materials to treat patients.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for a matrix that inhibits bone growth in a patient in need thereof. In one embodiment, a method of inhibiting bone growth is provided, the method comprising: implanting a matrix at a target tissue site, the matrix comprising a biodegradable polymer and dextran loaded in the matrix in an amount of from about 5% to about 95% by weight based on a total weight of the matrix.

Abstract: A device for separating particulate matter (e.g., cells) from a liquid including a housing defining an elongate chamber disposed between a receiving end and a dispenser end, a plunger slidably inserted within the chamber from the receiving end, an upper disc and a lower disc each independently slidably affixed to the plunger, the lower disc facing the dispenser end and including at least one filter arrangement, and a liquid including particulate matter disposed within the chamber when the upper disc and lower disc are in an aspiration mode. The upper disc is independently slidable with respect to the lower disc to achieve a filtration mode.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical gels and methods for delivering a therapeutic agent to a target tissue site beneath the skin of a patient are provided, the gel being capable of adhering to the target tissue site and comprising one or more biodegradable depots containing an effective amount of the therapeutic agent. In various embodiments, the gel is sprayable and hardens after contacting the target tissue site.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for preparing an adhesion barrier that effectively reduce, prevent or treat adhesions in a patient in need thereof. In one embodiment, a matrix is provided comprising a biodegradable polymer and dextran loaded in the matrix in an amount of from about 5% to about 90% by weight based on a total weight of the matrix. The matrix is configured to release from about 30% to about 90% of the dextran loaded in the matrix within 24 to 48 hours.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices and methods are provided that have one or more statins disposed therein. The medical devices may be implanted at near or in a bone defect to enhance bone growth. In some embodiments, the medical device provided allows for sustain release of the statin and facilitates bone formation and repair of the fracture site.

Abstract: Effective treatments of pain for extended periods of time are provided. Through the administration of an effective amount of clonidine and a gamma-aminobutyric acid compound at or near a target site, one can relieve pain caused by diverse sources, including but not limited to spinal disc herniation (i.e. sciatica), spondilothesis, stenosis, discogenic back pain and joint pain, as well as pain that is incidental to surgery. When appropriate formulations are provided within biodegradable polymers, this relief can be continued for at least three days. In some embodiments, the relief can be for at least twenty-five days, at least fifty days, at least one hundred days, at least one hundred and thirty-five days or at least one hundred and eighty days.

Abstract: An expandable implant device for implantation at a surgical site is provided. The implant device is made of cortical bone and includes a top and bottom piece, both pieces configured to couple with each other. The top piece has superior and inferior surfaces, and at least a tapered leading end configured to distract open an intervertebral disc space so that the top piece can be slidably inserted over the bottom piece until a desired overlap is achieved. A composite interbody bone implant device is also provided including a body skeleton having a non-bone composition, such as a polymer, formed into a shape and including one or more cavities which can be filled with other material, for example, allograft material. A method of placing an expandable device into a disc space is also provided.

Abstract: Bone implant compositions are provided that include a body made of cortical bone extending along an axis between a first end and a second end. The body includes an outer surface configured to engage host bone of a patient and at least one recess extending transverse to the axis into the outer surface of the body configured for disposal of an insert. At least one insert made of demineralized bone is disposed in the at least one recess.

Abstract: Described are malleable medical compositions such as pastes or putties that include solids combined with a liquid carrier. The solids can include particulate collagen and particulate demineralized bone matrix. The liquid carrier includes an aqueous medium comprising one or more polysaccharides. Also described are methods for making and using such medical compositions.

Abstract: A bone graft delivery device is provided comprising: a porous biodegradable graft body for inducing bone growth at a surgical site, the porous biodegradable graft body having demineralized bone matrix (DBM) fibers disposed within the porous biodegradable body, and DBM powder disposed adjacent to, on or in the DBM fibers, wherein the porous biodegradable graft body facilitates transfer of cells into and out of the porous biodegradable graft body to induce bone growth at the surgical site. Methods of making the device and using the device are also disclosed.

Abstract: Devices for hydrating materials, such as, for example, medical implant materials include a container body defining therein a hydration chamber. A barrier separates the chamber into a material holding area and a hydrating fluid bay and defines at least one aperture and is configured to allow passage of hydrating fluid from the hydrating fluid bay to the material holding area. In some embodiments, devices provided by the present application are operable for use in hydrating and delivering a material.

Abstract: Effective treatments of pain and/or inflammation from degenerative disc disease and/or facet joint are provided. Through the administration of an effective amount of at least one alpha adrenergic agonist at or near a degenerative disc and/or facet joint, one can reduce, prevent or treat pain and/or inflammation caused by the degenerative disc disease and/or facet joint.

Abstract: A device for separating particulate matter (e.g., cells) from a liquid including a housing defining an elongate chamber disposed between a receiving end and a dispenser end, a plunger slidably inserted within the chamber from the receiving end, an upper disc and a lower disc each independently slidably affixed to the plunger, the lower disc facing the dispenser end and including at least one filter arrangement, and a liquid including particulate matter disposed within the chamber when the upper disc and lower disc are in an aspiration mode. The upper disc is independently slidable with respect to the lower disc to achieve a filtration mode.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical gels and methods for delivering a therapeutic agent to a target tissue site beneath the skin of a patient are provided, the gel being capable of adhering to the target tissue site and comprising one or more biodegradable depots containing an effective amount of the therapeutic agent. In various embodiments, the gel is sprayable and hardens after contacting the target tissue site.

Abstract: Described is a medically useful article comprising a three-dimensional body including one or more implantable substances, wherein the body defines one or more reservoirs for receiving amounts of a biocompatible wetting liquid. In certain embodiments the body is disruptable upon wetting with the biocompatible liquid to form a conformable implantable material such as a putty, paste or more flowable wetted implant material. Also described are methods for manufacturing such medical materials, and methods for using such medical materials to treat patients.

Abstract: Ablation devices useful for destroying nerve and soft tissue via a minimally invasive procedure to alleviate pain are provided. The device comprises a probe comprising an interior surface that defines an internal passage and an exterior surface comprising a tip. The internal passage has a filament comprising an opening configured to release a pressurized material into the interior surface of the probe so as to cool the exterior surface of the probe to a selected temperature. A release instrument is provided comprising a sheath that comprises an exterior surface and an interior surface configured for engagement with the probe. The probe tip is configured for ablating nerve and/or soft tissue by forming an ice ball and the release instrument is configured to release the probe tip from the ice ball. Methods for ablating nerve and/or soft tissue utilizing the ablation devices are also provided.

Abstract: A retractor system for percutaneous surgery in a patient includes first and second retractor portions positionable opposite one another in an incision of the patient. The system also includes at least one actuating member operable to provide an oscillating motion to at least one of the first and second retractor portions. The actuating member is in communication with a controller and is responsive to the controller to move and adjust at least one of the first and second retractor portions between a first position and a second position. The system also includes at least one pressure sensor and display and at least one timing circuit with display. In another form, a method is directed to retracting tissue for percutaneous access to a surgical site in a patient using the pressure sensors and display as will as the timing circuit and display to assure that the amount of pressure applied and the duration does not exceed pre-determined values.